A Vacuum Buying Guide
How to choose the right vacuum
So you’re finally getting sick of the 100-pound, 100-decibel vacuum you lug across your carpet once a week just to keep it clean. You’ve probably wanted to get rid of this beast of a machine for a while now. But the question that stopped you then is probably the same one stopping you now: Where does one even begin when picking out a new vacuum?
Most people aren’t exactly scholars when it comes to vacuums. So the following information may be helpful when choosing the right vacuum for your home.
1. Climate
The region in which you live has a major influence on what kind of vacuum cleaner you’ll need. If you live in a region that experiences frequent precipitation and high levels of humidity, your carpet could develop mold or mildew without regular vacuuming. Under these conditions, you’ll need a high-powered, high-performing vacuum to fully remove all moisture. Dyson vacuum cleaners are great for homeowners who need to vacuum frequently, with a clean-air exhaust that significantly reduces pollutants like mold and bacteria in your home.
2. Pets
Dog might be man’s best friend, but he’s carpet’s worst enemy. If you have pets, your carpet automatically goes from needing just one vacuuming a week to requiring a cleaning on a daily basis. Canister vacuums – which feature a lightweight vacuum head attached to the canister by a hose – are ideal for pet owners because they can easily maneuver into those hard-to-reach spaces where pet hair accumulates. These vacuums can clean the drapes, upholstery, furniture and hard floors as well for an all-over clean.
3. Special features
Vacuums come in bag and bagless varieties. One advantage of bagless vacuums is that you don’t have to buy bags, and you can see when the container needs to be emptied. But this style of vacuum also contains filters that must be washed or replaced periodically, unlike vacuums that use bags. You may find that other special features matter more to you than whether the vacuum requires a bag.
4. Allergies and home health
The stakes are even higher when it comes to finding the right vacuum for an allergy-sufferer, since a bad vacuum could make allergies worse. Hoover’s WindTunnel vacuum is a high-rated vacuum for those with allergies, since this vacuum fully removes dirt and debris from even the tightest spaces. This advanced model features a “dirt finder,” which is a sensor-activated light that turns red when the vacuum detects dirt and turns green when the area is clean. Another perk of this model is that its compatible dust bags lock-in dirt and keep it from contaminating your air.
You probably thought picking out the best vacuum would be easy, but the new and advanced models make this decision harder than ever. Not to mention, an appropriate choice for you will depend on how the factors above apply to your home in particular. So, before you start shopping, make a list of your home’s unique needs and find a vacuum that matches these needs accordingly. Of course, you’ll need to fit your budget as well, so always be on the lookout for sales.
Cassie writes this post on behalf of Sears and other brands she trusts. She enjoys blogging, managing her household, cooking, hiking, and in her little spare time she enjoys zumba.